She grinned. “We’re going?”
“Yep, just let me get dressed.”
When I got to my room, I picked up my phone to check for a missed call or text from Connor. Nothing. I decided to text him instead.
Hey, I’m not going to class today. Woke up late. Just thought you’d want to know
I waited for his text. Five minutes passed before I gave up and tossed my phone on my bed. My chest squeezed.
Why hadn’t he texted me?
***
After I’d finished dressing, we went back to her place so she could change out of her school clothes. Then we’d decided to do a little shopping which turned into a lot of shopping, so it was after five by the time we finally made it to the fair.
“It’s okay. The fair is prettier at night anyway,” she told me. I had to agree.
The loud booming noises hit us as we walked closer to the entrance gate, but since it was a school night, there was no line.
“I got a fake ID from Emma,” Amber whispered. “I want to drink. Can you drive home?”
I sighed. “Okay.”
“Thank you,” she mouthed and pulled my hand to the booth that issued wristbands. When we get in line, Amber composed herself to show confidence as we waited. I glanced around and my eyes fell on a familiar blond who was standing with five other guys, beer in hands and laughing.
My mouth dropped open.
“Wow. Mr. Tomlinson sure has a fun life,” Amber said.
The people in front of us left with their wristbands, so we stepped forward. Amber handed over her fake ID, and a wristband snapped around her wrist. She grinned. “Time to get some beer,” Amber said, pulling my hand.
Naturally, she led us toward Connor. "Mr. Tomlinson, we should stop meeting like this,” Amber teased.
One of the guys nodded his head at Connor, then smirked.
Connor blinked at me, then smoothed an eyebrow with the knuckle of his thumb and gave his friend a disapproving look. Without thinking, Amber lifted her cup and took a drink, her eyes closed in bliss. Connor's jaw twitched.
"How did you get the beer?"
Amber’s eyes popped open, then she slowly took the cup from her lips and looked to me for help.
"Give me your cup," he commanded.
Amber passed him her cup without hesitation. He downed the dark brown liquid, then crushed the cup in his hand.
"Someone’s in trouble with her teacher,” one of the guys chuckled. Another guy in the group looked around and nodded toward the beer counter. His boys get the hint and leave Connor with us.
“How did you get the beer?” he asked sharply.
“I got a fake ID.” Amber hung her head.
“The stupidest thing you can do right now is to want to become an adult. Be a kid as long as you can.” His voice softened.
Amber lifted her head. “I know. It was just a lot going on,” she whispered.
“That must be the reason why you didn’t go to school today?”
“Yes,” Amber said softly. “And Vida didn’t wake up for school on time.”
He raised an eyebrow and cut me a look for a split second before glancing back to Amber. “I’ll show you how to have fun without the need to intoxicate yourself.” He smiled and capturing us with his bright blue eyes.
Connor turned back to Amber. “Trust me?”
“Amber beamed. “Yes.”
Connor’s friends join us again, full cups of beer in their hands.
“I’ll see you guys at the carnival section. These ladies need to get schooled on some good ole small town fun.” Connor winked.
I blushed. If he kept this up, I’d be a pile of mush at his feet by the end of the night.
“Hey, man. Wait. Let us finish our beers. We’ll join you.” They downed their beers and one guy collects the cup, throwing them in the trash.
As we walked towards the carnival, Connor fell behind, walking next to me. He grabbed the hem of my green and yellow flannel, his knuckles brushing the top of my butt.
My body instantly hummed.
He came closer, his lips next to my ears. “Did you drink?” he asked, his breath warm and raspy.
“No.”
“Good girl.”
I blushed. “But you did.”
“I did. I drank enough to impair my judgment, so I won’t be good. You should steer clear of me.”
I gasped softly. “You didn’t text or call. You owe me.”
“I do owe you. What would you like me to do?”
My body heated dangerously. I had never felt like this. I angled my head in an attempt to get his lips to brush against my skin. What was wrong with me?
Amber turned to find me, but one of the guys asked her a question, grabbing her attention. Oh God. He was giving Connor an opportunity with me. My stomach knotted. “Your friend just stopped Amber so she wouldn’t see what we’re doing.”